Maternal depression in Latinas and child socioemotional development: A systematic review

Although substantial research exists on the debilitating effects of maternal depression on child development, little is known about Latina mothers with depression and their young children within the broader context of sociocultural and economic stressors.

What is the relationship between maternal depression in Latina mothers and their children's socioemotional outcomes through early developmental windows (0-5 years)?

We searched electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO in this systematic review, pre-registered via PROSPERO (CRD42019128686). Based on pre-determined criteria, we identified 56 studies and included 15 in the final sample. After extracting data, we assessed study quality with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.

We found inverse correlations between maternal depression and child socioemotional outcomes; furthermore, we found evidence of a moderating and mediating role of maternal depression between contextual stressors and child outcomes. Children of U.S.-born Latina mothers had poorer developmental outcomes than children of foreign-born Latina mothers across socioemotional domains and throughout early developmental windows.

Future research must examine underlying mechanisms for the potential Latino paradox in young Latino children's socioemotional outcomes. Policies should support mental health of Latina mothers as early as the prenatal period.